Environment resistant wall planter block and methods of use thereof

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a retaining wall planter block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by the environment in which it is placed, but also accommodates the growth of desired vegetation. The planter block contains a fill material that is conducive to vegetation growth, and has apertures for the emerging vegetation. The deterioration resistant planter block is generally a hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight and is configured to accept and retain any type of organic filling material and seeds. The filling material provides weight and stability to the retaining wall planter block and also provides weight, stability and security to a retaining wall constructed of such planter blocks, as well as suitable growth medium for the vegetation.

The present invention relates to a retaining wall planter block that isresistant to damage and wear caused by the environment it is placedinto. The deterioration resistant block is generally a hollowed frame orshell of a deterioration resistant material that is light-weight,includes a plurality of apertures and is configured to accept one ormore fill materials that may include seeds. Generally, at least one ofthe fill materials is suitable for growth of vegetation that protrudesthrough the plurality of apertures positioned on the block. The fillingmaterial also provides weight and stability to the retaining wallplanter block and also provides weight, stability and security to aretaining wall constructed of such blocks.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The use of retaining walls to protect and beatify property in all typesof environmental settings is a common practice in the landscaping,construction and environmental protection fields. Walls constructed fromvarious materials are used to outline sections of property forparticular uses, such as gardens or flower beds, fencing in propertylines, reduction of erosion, and to simply beautify areas of a property.

Numerous methods and materials exist for the construction of retainingwalls. Such methods include the use of natural stone, poured in placeconcrete, masonry, landscape timbers or railroad ties. In recent years,segmental concrete retaining wall units, sometimes known as keystones,which are dry stacked (i.e., built without the use of mortar), havebecome a widely accepted product for the construction of retainingwalls. Examples of such units are described in U.S. Pat. No. RE 34,314(Forsberg) and in U.S. Pat. No. 5,294,216 (Sievert).

However, many of the materials utilized in the construction of retainingwalls are susceptible to deterioration and/or are not very aestheticallyappealing. The ability of these retaining walls to withstand sunlight,wind, water, general erosion and other environmental elements is aproblem with most retaining wall products. Many materials utilized inretention of shorelines are subject to immediate deterioration and/orare not as aesthetically appealing as one would desire.

Furthermore, many materials utilized on shoreline structures aredifficult to maintain due to the awkward location in the water and alsothe prevalent growth and presence of undesirable organic materials thatcan get caught and flourish in such a structure. For example, manylakeshore or ocean side properties utilize riprap as a retention devicefor prevention of erosion. Riprap is a configuration of large to mediumsize stones placed along the shoreline. A problem with waterfrontproperties that use a continuous wall of typical riprap is the shorelinewill retain some undesirable organic material or will accumulateadditional organic material brought in by the water. This usually leadsto an unmanageable and aesthetically displeasing shoreline or highermaintenance. Furthermore, the riprap is never uniform in color and sizeand therefore does not as provide the most aesthetically pleasingshoreline or complete coverage of the shoreline. The lack of uniformshoreline coverage allows for some erosion, collection of variousmaterials and the growth of undesirable weeds.

As previously suggested, a particular concern is the utilization oferosion protection materials in water shorelines. Installing riprap,seawalls, or other structures result in the “Hardening” of theshoreline. This can lead to the disruption of spawning areas, increaseserosion in non-protected shoreline, and destroys the natural habitatrequired by a variety of organisms. Alternatively, leaving the shorelinenatural can lead to erosion, cause an unmanageable and unusableshoreline, create high maintenance, and inhibit an aestheticallypleasing property.

Another problem with materials normally utilized in the construction ofretaining walls, such as poured in place concrete, masonry, landscapetimbers, railroad ties or keystones is that regulations in most statesand counties prohibit their use in or near bodies of water because ofthe crumbling or deterioration of the material into the body of waterover time. Many of these retaining wall materials dissolve, crumble,break apart and/or float into the body of water for which they linecausing problems with the shoreline and pollution of the water. Forexample, the average life of a concrete block or keystone in water isapproximately a couple of years. A need exists for a retaining wall,which would be resistant to such deterioration. Additionally the removalof a natural habitat for growth of desirable organic materials, such asvegetation and organisms, by insertion of such retaining walls presentsenvironmental problems.

An additional concern that exists in the construction of retaining wallsis the weight of the blocks or materials. Concrete blocks, large stones,timbers or keystones can be heavy to move into the wall location andmaneuver when constructing the wall. Many locations for which retainingwalls are constructed are positioned in awkward terrain. Heavy buildingmaterials are difficult to move into the location and furthermore aredifficult to position when constructing the retaining wall therebyadding additional cost and labor for installation. However, the heavymaterials are needed once the wall is constructed to provide stabilityand security to the structure. Therefore, easy to install light-weightunits used for the construction of a retaining wall, which can beweighted once placed into position to provide retention of the block andthereby stabilize the completed retaining wall, would be beneficial toconstruction of such structures.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

As previously mentioned the present invention relates to a retainingwall planter block that is resistant to damage and wear caused by thesurrounding environment. The deterioration resistant block is generallya hollowed frame or shell of a deterioration resistant material that islight-weight, includes a plurality of apertures and is configured toaccept one or more filling materials that may include seeds. The fillingmaterial provides weight and stability to the retaining wall planterblock and also ultimately provides stability and security to theretaining wall constructed of such blocks. Furthermore, one or more ofthe filling materials placed into the block is generally suitable forthe growth of vegetation, such as grass, moss, or other vegetationnative to the surrounding environment.

More specifically, the deterioration resistant planter block comprises atop panel, a bottom panel, a wall assembly and an optional anchoringdevice. One or more chambers are created by adjoining the top panel,bottom panel and wall assembly. The chambers are adapted for receivingand retaining one or more fill materials, such as sand, dirt, gravel,pea rock, peat, or any other similar material, which provides permanentweighting and stability of the planter block and also provides the seedsnutrients for exceptional vegetation growth. The planter block furthercomprises a plurality of apertures that are adapted to allow vegetationto grow from the apertures to the exterior of the planter block.

Embodiments of the present invention include a deterioration resistantretaining block for use in constructing retaining walls on propertiesthat are exposed to harsh environments, such as waterfront properties.The deterioration resistant planter blocks are particularly useful forproperties near water or underwater due to their resistance todegradation and adaptation to the surrounding environment. As previouslysuggested, the planter block is configured to provide structuralscaffolding for vegetation growth. Furthermore, the scaffolding providesstability to a surface, such as a bank, ravine, shoreline or the like,thereby preventing erosion, as well as providing an optimum environmentconducive to vegetation growth that is aesthetically acceptable. It isalso noted that the deterioration resistant blocks could also be usedfor other landscaping applications wherein an easy to install,light-weight retaining wall block that includes vegetation is desired.Therefore, the deterioration resistant planter wall block could beutilized to construct any form of wall or fence structure, such as avine covered wall.

Generally, the planter block possesses light-weight characteristicsbefore it is filled with a fill material that may include seeds. Aspreviously mentioned, embodiments of the present invention can bewaterproof and may be filled with any type of fill material located atthe site or applied for optimum growing characteristics, such as soil,peat, rocks, sand, gravel, pea rock or other similar materials. Thefilling characteristic of the deterioration resistant block means thatwhen the block is not filled or only partially filled it is verylight-weight. The light-weight feature provides individuals constructingsuch walls the advantage of easily moving large numbers of the blocks tothe site of construction with relative ease. Furthermore, thelightweight characteristic of the blocks allows for easy maneuvering ofthe blocks into final position when constructing the wall and stillallows for the stability of a heavy block after it is completely filled.These characteristics are met by the block being made of a lightweightmaterial and also configured, to receive a heavy fill material once itis about to be placed or has been placed in its final position on theretaining wall. Additional configurations of the present invention mayinclude pre-packaged blocks where the seeds and/or suitable fillmaterial are tailored for the installation site.

Additionally, embodiments of the present invention further satisfy anunmet landscaping need for shorelines in that the deteriorationresistant planter blocks are easily manufactured. Examples of possiblemanufacturing methods include but are not limited to injection-molding,dip-molding and blow-molding. Also any high volume application forproduction may be utilized in manufacturing the present invention. Theindividual units are light-weight, attractive, easy to install, preventshoreline and other terrain erosion and may compliment existingtraditional retaining wall block. The deterioration resistant blocks arealso waterproof, can withstand ice damage due to their flexible natureand are easily replaced in case of damage. Furthermore, they are ruggedand very low maintenance. Moreover, embodiments of the present inventionare easily transportable and storable due to their light-weight andpotential stacking features.

The lightweight material of the block makes it easier for individuals toinstall the planter block made of a deterioration resistant materialthemselves rather than cement block, timbers, keystones and the like.The minimum weight of most regular garden block is approximately 30 50lbs, whereas embodiments of the present invention may be approximately0.1-10 lbs. Of course, weight may vary depending on the size andmaterials utilized in manufacturing embodiments of the presentinvention. Also, as previously mentioned the blocks of the presentinvention retain the final stability and weight by filling the blockwith an appropriate fill material and seeds either prior to or after ithas been permanently installed.

The embodiments of the present invention are resistant to deterioration,such as wear, crumbling and breaking. Therefore, the deteriorationresistant block does not have to be replaced as often and/or increasesthe lifespan of the retaining wall. The block has approximately thelifespan of at least 5-10 times the life of a regular keystone. Theincreased lifespan of the block translates to fewer or no occurrences ofreplacement of individual blocks or the potential completereconstruction of the entire wall. Furthermore, retaining wallmaterials, such as concrete block, timbers and keystone, are typicallynot used in water applications because they dissolve, crumble and/orbreak down over time and exposure. The durability and resistantcharacteristics of the present invention reduce and prevent thisdeterioration, therefore making it very beneficial for all applicationsthat come in contact with water.

Another advantage of the retaining wall planter block of the presentinvention is the block is resistant to ice damage when installed arounda body of water that freezes. When ice expands and/or moves it shifts,tears and damages various types materials utilized for shorelineretention, such as keystone, concrete block, rip rap, landscape timbersor anything rigid. Embodiments of the present invention can bemanufactured with a material that has flexibility and would flex in asimilar way as a Rubbermaid® trash can flexes. Considering that thedeterioration resistant block would be filled with a fill material, thedeformation would be minimal, but still enough to prevent damage to theretaining wall planter block and/or the entire wall. Furthermore, uponmelting or shifting of the ice the deterioration resistant block returnsto its original configuration.

Another advantage of embodiments of the present invention relates to thehigh cost of waterfront property and people's inclination to improvetheir property to keep it well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing.Embodiments of the present invention allow for controlled growth ofvegetation to reestablish the natural environment and preserve theintegrity of the shoreline that may be susceptible to erosion.Furthermore, the planter blocks of the present invention provide asofter shoreline that is amenable to native shoreline vegetation andorganisms. Therefore, the planter blocks of the present inventionprovide an optimal medium for the natural habitat, as well as anaesthetically pleasing and structurally sound shoreline.

Many waterfront properties suffer water damage when water levels riseabove the shoreline. The retaining wall planter block of the presentinvention is a solution to water retention and erosion problems in suchareas of threatening high or fluctuating water levels. Furthermore, theretaining wall planter block poses a solution in locations where thereis a flood plane or areas that are washed out by any type of watermovement. Sandbags have been a solution to such problems, but are not apermanent or aesthetically pleasing solution. The retaining wall planterblock can replace sand bags in an area for which a more permanent andaesthetically pleasing alternative is desired.

As previously suggested, the deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter block can comprise any type of shape, configuration, color anddesign. In addition the retaining wall planter block may include anydesign or color located anywhere on any panel or wall of the block.Embodiments of the present invention may be shaped like Keystone® block,concrete block, brick or any other configuration that is desired.Therefore, the present invention provides an aesthetically pleasingsolution and replacement for materials, including timbers, concrete orsandbags, presently utilized in retaining wall construction.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of a deteriorationresistant retaining wall planter block;

FIG. 2 is a side view of a deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter block which includes a retaining flange;

FIG. 3 is a front view of a deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter block which includes insertable pegs.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter block which includes lockable insertable pegs;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter blocks which includes apertures for receiving lockableinsertable pegs;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a deterioration resistant retaining wallthat includes staggered rows;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter block containing multiple chambers;

FIG. 8 is a top view of a multiple chamber deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block that includes a top panel with multipleapertures;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cover of a deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block;

FIG. 10 is a top view of a section of a deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block;

FIG. 11 depicts a top view of a multi-unit deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block;

FIG. 12 depicts a front view of a multi-unit deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block;

FIG. 13 depicts a top view of a multi-unit deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block with disengaged tabs;

FIG. 14 depicts a top view of a deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter block that includes interlocking keys and locks;

FIG. 15 depicts a left side perspective view of the deteriorationresistant retaining wall planter block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 16 depicts a right side perspective view of the deteriorationresistant retaining wall planter block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 17 depicts a top view of the deterioration resistant retaining wallplanter block of FIG. 14;

FIG. 18 depicts a front view of a deterioration resistant retaining wallincorporating wings that cover the interlocking keys and locks;

FIG. 19 depicts a perspective view of a deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block with a back panel aperture;

FIG. 20 depicts a perspective view of a deterioration resistantretaining wall planter block with a back panel aperture;

FIG. 21 depicts an embodiment of the present invention wherein thedeterioration resistant retaining wall planter blocks are stacked;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 depicts one embodiment of the deterioration resistant retainingwall planter block 10 comprising a top panel 12, a bottom panel 14 and awall assembly 16. Generally, the top panel 12 includes one or moreapertures 18. The apertures 18 may be of any size and shape suitable forthe receiving of fill material and/or the emergence of growingvegetation from the planter block 10. The bottom panel 14 includes arelatively flat surface or contoured to rest uniformly with the toppanel 12 of one or more blocks 10 positioned below.

The bottom panel 14 may also include or be adjoined to an anchoringdevice 20. FIG. 2 depicts the side view of an embodiment of the presentinvention, which includes an anchoring device 20 in the form of aretaining flange 22 adjoined to the bottom surface 14 of the block 10.On a constructed wall, each retaining flange 22 is a wall retentiondevice that operates to inhibit outward movement of the wall. Normally,the retaining flange 22 extends downward from the back of the bottompanel 14 and rests against the back of the retaining block 10 locatedbelow the bottom panel 14. The retaining flange 22 may be a unitarypiece extending downward from the back of the retaining block 10 or aseries of fingers extending downward from the back of the retainingblock 10.

Another embodiment of the present invention may include an anchoringdevice 20 in the form of insertable pegs 24. In FIG. 3 the insertablepegs 24 are adjoined to the bottom panel 14 and are configured to besecurely receivable in the apertures 18 of an additional adjoining toppanel 12 of another retaining block 10. The insertable pegs 24 can bemade of any shape and size, which can be securely fit into the apertures18 of the top panel 12. FIGS. 4 and 5 depict another type of pegconfiguration. FIG. 4 illustrates a bottom panel 14 of one embodiment ofthe present invention wherein the insertable pegs 24 are lockable. Theinsertable pegs 24 are positioned on the bottom panel 14 at an angledconfiguration. The top panel 12, illustrated in FIG. 5, includesapertures 18 adapted to receive the lockable insertable pegs 24. Inoperation a block 10 is maneuvered so that the pegs 24 of one block areinserted into the apertures 18 of another block. The block 10 possessingpegs 24 is then turned into position thereby locking the two blockstogether. The pegs 24 on a block 10 may also be configured to fit intothe apertures of two adjacent blocks positioned below. This applicationis beneficial if the blocks of adjacent rows are staggered inpositioning. See FIG. 6 for an illustration of a staggered retainingwall.

The deterioration resistant retaining block 10 also includes a wallassembly 16, which is also depicted in FIGS. 1-3. The wall assembly 16comprises one or more outside walls 25 that may generally include aplurality of apertures 18. Embodiments of the present invention includewall assemblies 16 that are adjoined to the top panel 12 and bottompanel 14. The adjoinment of the wall assembly 16 to the top panel 12 andbottom panel 14 creates a chamber 26 located within the retaining block10. The chamber 26 is normally filled with materials that are conduciveto vegetation growth such as dirt, peat, sand, gravel, growth sponges orother like materials. The fill materials also provide weight andstructure stability to the retaining planter block 10 and the entireretaining wall.

Another embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 7-9:The embodiment shown in FIG. 7 comprises a deterioration resistantretaining block 10 with the top panel 12 removed, wherein the wallassembly 16 defines more than one chamber 26 within the retainingplanter block 10. The multiple chambers 26 are defined by interiorpartitions 28. The interior partitions 28 may also be utilized to addadditional support to the retaining planter block 10. The interiorpartitions 28 may also include apertures 18 for growth of vegetationand/or growth of vegetation roots between the chambers 26 of the planterblocks 10.

FIG. 8 depicts one embodiment of the top panel of a partitionedretaining planter block 10. The interior partitions 28 are within theinterior of the retaining block 10 and are depicted by dashed lines. Inthis embodiment of the present invention, the top panel 12 ispermanently fixed to the wall assembly 16 and includes multipleapertures 18 to accommodate filling of each individual chamber 26 withappropriate fill material, such as dirt, peat, sand, gravel or any othersuitable material. The apertures 18 also provide openings for vegetationgrowth.

FIG. 9 depicts another possible embodiment of the top panel 12, which isconfigured in a cover formation that may be adapted to securely fit overthe retaining planter block 10 illustrated in FIG. 7. The top panel 12of this embodiment comprises a closed section 30 that includesoverlapping edges 32, which overlap securely over the outside walls ofthe wall assembly 16. However, the top panel may also secure to the wallassembly 16 in other ways, such as locking tabs, twist locks, clamps,clips, adhesives, ultrasonic welding, RF welding, or any other means ofattachment or fastener. The top panel 12 of this embodiment mayoptionally be hingedly secured to the retaining planter block 10 by anytype of hinge device (not shown), thereby providing a unitaryconfiguration of the retaining wall planter block 10. Finally, the toppanel 12 may also include apertures for accommodating the growth ofvegetation.

Multiple chambers 26 also allow for the retaining block 10 to be cutinto various shapes and still maintain a chamber that can receive andretain fill materials and seeds. FIG. 10 depicts a section of theretaining block 10 as shown in FIG. 7 wherein the comers have beenremoved and the block 10 has been cut in half. The ability to cut theretaining planter block 10 and still retain the same features isparticularly useful in preparing ends and awkward segments of retainingwalls. Dashed lines depicted in FIG. 9 illustrate alternate coverconfigurations to conform to the various shapes of a retaining planterblock 10 or portions thereof.

An additional embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS.11 and 12. FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of a retaining planter block54 wherein multiple units 34 are incorporated into a single planterblock 54. A single multi-unit planter block 54 provides the appearanceof multiple retaining blocks present in a single structure. The toppanel 12 may be integral to the block or may comprise a single sheet,which covers each unit 34 or multiple sheets in which each sheet coversa single unit of the multi-unit block. Furthermore, the top panel 12 mayinclude apertures 18 for vegetation growth and optionally for filling.The interior of the retaining planter block 54 of this embodimentincludes one or more interior partitions 28.

FIG. 12 depicts the front view of the multi-unit retaining planter block54, which has the appearance of multiple separate units 34. Thesemultiple separate units 34 provide the appearance similar to the partialassembly of a retaining wall comprising a plurality of individualblocks, such as depicted in FIG. 6. The multi-unit retaining planterblock 54 may be a unitary structure or may include multiple components,such as a multi-unit planter block 54 including a single top panel (notshown), similar to the top panel depicted in FIG. 9.

FIG. 13 depicts another embodiment of a multi-unit retaining wallplanter block 54, which can be configured to accommodate a curvedterrain. In this embodiment of the present invention, tabs 58 may bepositioned between each individual unit 34 on the front and/or back ofthe multi-unit block 54. If a curved wall is desired, the tabs 58 may bedisengaged, thereby allowing the multi-unit block 54 to be maneuveredinto convex and/or concave positions.

Another type of anchoring device 20 included in the present inventionmay be a side locking mechanism. As depicted in FIGS. 14-17 one or moreinterlocking keys 36 and locks 38 may be included in the retainingblock. Each key 36 may include a rounded relatively flat cylinder 40adjoined to a neck 42 that is attached to the side wall 44 of aretaining planter block 10. Each lock 38 comprises a partially enclosedcavity 46, which is configured to receive and securely retain the key 36when inserted into the lock 38.

As depicted in FIG. 18, wings 48 located on the front of each retainingplanter block 10 function to hide the key and lock system from the viewof an observer of the retaining wall. The retaining wall planter blocks10 of the present invention may also include other side attachments,such as hook and pile attachments (not shown) or any other sideattachment suitable for interlocking more than one retaining wallplanter block 10.

FIG. 18 further illustrates an embodiment of the present inventionwherein the apertures 18 include aperture covers 49 for allowing growthof vegetation to occur. The aperture covers 49 may be a nonbiodegradableor biodegradable screen, meshing or other configuration comprised ofcloth, plastic, paper, cardboard, metal or any other suitable material.Furthermore, the aperture cover may be a biodegradable and/ordeteriorating coating that retains the fill material and seeds but,allows for vegetation growth. An example of such meshing may be made ofjute, coir, burlap, biodegradable polymers or other biodegradablematerials similar to the meshings produced by Hy-Tex (UK) Limited, POBox 97, Aldington, ASHFORD, Kent TN25 7EA. It is noted that thebiodegradable material, such as meshing, may also include substancessuch as fertilizer or pesticides that are released upon degradation ofthe biodegradable material.

The apertures 18 may be of any size and may include apertures 18 thatcover a large portion of the outside walls 25 and top panel 12.Alternatively, the aperture covers 49 may completely cover the outsideor inside of the retaining wall planter block 10 to ensure coverage andsecurity of the apertures and thereby inhibit loss of fill materialand/or seeds. An additional embodiment of the present invention may be aretaining wall planter block 10 wherein the top panel 12, bottom panel14 and wall assembly 16 are comprised of the screens, grids and/ormeshing to form the planter block 10. For example, a polymer planterblock may be partially or completely perforated forming apertures thatcould support vegetative growth.

The retaining wall planter block 10 depicted in FIGS. 19-21 include atop panel 12, a bottom panel 14 and a wall assembly 16 configured toform one or more chambers 26. Generally, the top panel 12 and bottompanel 14 only include apertures conducive to the growth of vegetation.Furthermore, the top panel 12, bottom panel 14 and wall assembly 16 maybe a unitary structure or piece. The difference in this embodiment isthat the back wall 50 includes one or more back apertures 52 that can besealed, after it is filled, with a cover or other type of pluggingdevice (not shown). The back apertures 52 can be of any shape and sizeand may extend to any or all of the side panels 16, top panel 12 and/orbottom panel 14. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 19-21 may also includean anchoring device, such as a retaining flange 22 or any other type ofanchoring device.

The embodiment of the present invention as depicted in FIG. 19 ispreferably used when retaining walls are embedded into or positionedflush with a hill or other type of ridge thereby further sealing the oneor more back apertures 52. The retaining wall planter block 10 may befilled with a filling material that may include seeds from the back andthen placed into position on the retaining wall. Once in position on theretaining wall, the fill material utilized to secure and weight theretaining wall planter block 10 is maintained within the chamber 26 bythe cover or plug and further by the soil, peat, sand, gravel, orsimilar material, which makes up the hill or ridge. An embodimentincluding multiple units (not shown) may also incorporate into thestructure a back panel with one or more apertures. The multi-unitplanter block of this embodiment may include multiple units arrangedside by side vertically or horizontally.

The presence of an aperture positioned in the back wall 50 may alsoallow for easy storage and transport due to the stackable capabilitiespresent. For example, an individual planter block 10 or a multi-unitblock 54 may be inserted into the back of another planter block 10 ormulti-unit block 54 thereby creating a stackable arrangement. Anillustration of stacking individual planter blocks 10 is depicted inFIG. 21.

As previously mentioned, the present invention may be manufactured froma deterioration resistant, substantially rigid composite or polymericmaterial including, but not limited to, plastic, a rubber composition,fiberglass, or any other similar material or a combination thereof.Preferable materials comprise light-weight and slightly flexible.Generally, the embodiments of the present invention may comprise anytype of material that would have the similar characteristics to plastic,vinyl, silicone, fiberglass, rubber or a combination of these materials.It is noted that the material utilized in the present invention shouldbe rigid enough to hold its form upon addition of filling material andalso when placed in contact with other objects. Another preferablematerial may be comprised of a material similar to that utilized in theproduction of some types of garbage cans or the utilization of recycledrubber from objects such as tires. Such materials would be capable ofholding rigidity and still offer flexibility when placed in contact withother objects, such as ice. Also, such materials have the ability toregain its original form when the object or material has been removed.

Embodiments of the present invention may also vary in appearance. Sinceembodiments of the present invention may be manufactured by a processsuch as injection molding, the molds may include any type of design orshape. Furthermore, the front panels of the retaining wall planter block10, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, could be molded in almost any type ofconfiguration. In one embodiment, multiple retaining wall planter blockscould be molded to include designs that, when positioned on a retainingwall, would complete a larger single design, such as the spelling of acompany or school name in large letters or the completion of a largeimage. Also, since the present invention may be manufactured from anumber of different products, such as plastic, a rubber composition orfiberglass, the retaining wall planter block may comprise any color or amultitude of colors. For example, a retaining wall installed in a beachsetting may be manufactured of a plastic or rubber product and becolored to easily blend with the vegetation growing upon or within theretaining wall planter block.

Additionally, the apertures 18 may be positioned to accommodatevegetative growth in various desired designs, mosaics, words and/orshapes. Vegetative growth can be of many different colors and thereforecan create colorful designs when emerging from the planter block 10.

Furthermore, the planter block of the present invention may be of anysize. For example, the block may be sized similar to the blocks publiclyavailable, which generally have a length of 10″-20″, a width of 3″-8″and a depth of 4″-18″. However, planter blocks of the present inventionmay also be sized much larger than the conventional block. For example,a block utilized on a shoreline may be of a very large size, such asdimensions as follows: length of 4′ 8′, width of 1′-3′ and a depth of2′-6′.

As previously suggested the environment resistant retaining wall planterblock 10 is utilized in the construction of any type of wall or border.In application, a foundation is first created in the area that the wallor border is to be constructed. The foundation preferably is flat and orlevel and can accommodate one or more retaining planter blocks 10. Oncea foundation is completed, a first row is laid by filling eachindividual retaining block 10 with a fill material and placing eachindividual or multi-unit planter block, side by side until the row iscompleted. The filling of the retaining wall planter block gives it theadded weight that it needs to retain its structure and hold it in place.A funneling device may be utilized, which fits securely into theopenings or apertures of the retaining wall planter block to guide fillinto the chamber of the block. The first row may be straight or rounded.An example of a rounded first row is depicted in FIG. 20. Uponcompletion of the first row, additional rows are constructed byperforming the same filling process and placing the retaining wallplanter block 10 in the proper position atop the previously completedrow until a continuous retaining wall is completed. Generally, acontinuous retaining wall includes stacked rows wherein individualretaining planter blocks are placed adjacently to one another therebyeliminating or minimizing cracks or gaps in the wall.

Retaining wall planter blocks 10 may be positioned directly over otherretaining wall planter blocks 10 in lower rows or may be staggered.Furthermore, the retaining wall planter blocks 10 of the upper rows mayoverlap the back of retaining wall planter blocks 10 of lower rows if aretaining flange 24 is included on the block. In the alternative oradditionally, each individual retaining block 10 may be locked intoposition with adjacent blocks if pegs 24 and apertures 18 or keys 36 andlocks 38 are present on the retaining block 10. Upon completion of thetop row of the retaining wall, a cover may or may not be placed over thetop row to close the apertures 18 of the top panels 12 or to provide afinishing border to the top of the retaining wall. The cover may includeapertures as depicted in FIG. 9.

Embodiments of the present invention may also be used in conjunctionwith regular keystone bricks or stones. A retaining wall constructed inwater or along a waterfront property may utilize the retaining wallplanter block of the present invention at water level and below and thenthe regular keystone or retaining wall materials can be used on top ofthe retaining wall planter block of the present invention. Theutilization of the retaining wall planter block of the present inventionwould be easy to match colors with the conventional retaining wallbuilding materials because the materials utilized to manufacture thepresent invention can be colored and designed to match virtually anytype of retaining wall construction material.

Furthermore, the retaining wall planter block may be manufactured in amultitude of different sizes, shapes and configurations. For example, anembankment or steep shoreline could support a retaining wall configuredin a step like arrangement or design. Such a structure, may be utilizedas a retaining wall and/or as a grassy stairway down to a beach or tothe water if vegetation is growing from the planter block.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and descriptionis to be considered as exemplary and not restrictive in character, itbeing understood that only the preferred embodiments have been shown anddescribed and that all changes and modifications that come within thespirit of the invention are desired to be protected.

1-20. (canceled)
 21. A method of constructing a deterioration resistantretaining wall comprising establishing a foundation that can supportmore than one deterioration resistant planter blocks, said deteriorationresistant planter blocks including a deterioration resistant compositeor polymeric material and comprising a top panel and bottom panel thatare adjoined to a wall assembly to form a chamber for receiving andretaining organic fill material suitable for the growth of vegetationand vegetation seeds, and a plurality apertures positioned on the toppanel, bottom panel, wall assembly, or any combination thereof, whereinat least one or more of the aperture(s) are positioned on the visiblefront panel(s) of the wall assembly to allow vegetation to visibly growto the exterior of the deterioration resistant retaining wall; fillingeach retaining wall planter block with the fill material; placing theretaining wall planter blocks side by side on the foundation to generatea straight or curved row; and stacking one or more rows wherein each rowis stacked upon the row below it to form a continuous retaining wall.22. The method of constructing a deterioration resistant retaining wallof claim 21, wherein the rows are staggered.
 23. The method ofconstructing a deterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 21,wherein the individual retaining planter blocks are engaged by anchoringdevices, root interaction, or a combination thereof.
 24. The method ofconstructing a deterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 23,wherein the anchoring devices are selected from a group consisting ofone or more retaining flanges, pegs, locking mechanisms, and rootinteraction.
 25. The method of constructing a deterioration resistantretaining wall of claim 21, wherein the composite or polymeric materialis a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, vinyl,silicone, rubber, fiberglass or any combination thereof.
 26. The methodof constructing a deterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 21,wherein the apertures are covered internally or externally by one ormore aperture covers.
 27. The method of constructing a deteriorationresistant retaining wall of claim 26, wherein the aperture coverincludes a biodegradable material.
 28. The method of constructing adeterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 21, wherein the toppanel, bottom panel or wall assembly includes a removable or hingedlyadjoined cover.
 29. The method of constructing a deterioration resistantretaining wall of claim 21, wherein the planter block further includesone or more interior partitions.
 30. The method of constructing adeterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 21, wherein the planterblock further includes more than one unit.
 31. The method ofconstructing a deterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 30,wherein the planter block further includes one or more disengaging tabs.32. A deterioration resistant retaining wall comprising a plurality ofplanter blocks positioned side by side and stacked to form a continuousretaining wall, said planter blocks including: a top panel including adeterioration resistant composite or polymeric material; a bottom panelincluding a deterioration resistant composite or polymeric material; awall assembly including a deterioration resistant composite or polymericmaterial that is adjoined to the top panel and bottom panel to form achamber for receiving and retaining one or more fill materials suitablefor the growth of vegetation; one or more fill materials suitable forthe growth of vegetation administered to the chamber and vegetationseeds included in or applied to the fill material; and a plurality ofapertures positioned on the top panel, bottom panel, wall assembly, orany combination thereof, wherein one or more of the aperture(s) arepositioned on the visible front panel(s) of the wall assembly to allowvegetation to visibly grow to the exterior of the deteriorationresistant retaining wall.
 33. The deterioration resistant retaining wallclaim 32 wherein the composite or polymeric material is a materialselected from the group consisting of plastic, vinyl, silicone, rubber,fiberglass or any combination thereof.
 34. The deterioration resistantretaining wall of claim 32, wherein the apertures are covered internallyor externally by one or more aperture covers.
 35. The deteriorationresistant retaining wall of claim 34, wherein the aperture coverincludes a biodegradable material.
 36. The deterioration resistantretaining wall of claim 32, wherein the top panel, bottom panel or wallassembly includes a removable or hingedly adjoined cover.
 37. Thedeterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 32, wherein the planterblocks further include one or more interior partitions.
 38. Thedeterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 32, wherein the planterblocks further include more than one unit.
 39. The deteriorationresistant retaining wall of claim 38, wherein the planter blocks furtherinclude one or more disengaging tabs.
 40. The deterioration resistantretaining wall of claim 32, wherein the planter blocks further includeone or more anchoring devices.
 41. The deterioration resistant retainingwall of claim 40, wherein the anchoring devices are selected from agroup consisting of one or more retaining flanges, pegs, and lockingmechanisms.
 42. The deterioration resistant retaining wall of claim 32,wherein the apertures of each planter block are positioned on theplanter block in a configuration to form a design.